​Discover the Landmarks’ many rare and native species in the soft light of dusk by registering for a free program on the open spaces.

Fresh air is vital to a healthy, happy lifestyle, and nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors during cool evening temperatures on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Whether looking to avoid the heat or take a break from spending too much time indoors, hikers of all ages can enjoy fresh air on the lands at dusk. Make the most of long summer days and learn about the local lands through an interpretive program, fitness program, or give back to the land through a stewardship program. Enjoy a calendar full of evening activities offered at various difficulty levels and distances on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks!

Interpretive Programs Interpretive programs are a great option for those looking to enjoy the open spaces while learning about nature. Led by knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, visitors will learn about the specific plants and animals they may find during guided hikes.

The Family Hike at Round Canyon on August 26 from 5 – 7 p.m. is a fun and informative program for adults and children ages 6 and older. The hike leads families down a flat trail as they head for Round Canyon in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Along the way hikers can learn about the wildlife that emerges at dusk, including owls and mule deer – and possibly spot wildlife in its natural habitat!

Another accessible hike for the whole family is the Family Hike at Agua Chinon Canyon, August 19 from 5 – 7 p.m. This early evening hike is ideal for participants looking to enjoy a slower-paced gradual climb to Agua Chinon, a 1,200-acre canyon nestled in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Hiking & Fitness ProgramsPower down laptops and devices and turn off the TV to enjoy the therapeutic sites, smells and sounds of nature. Spending time outdoors can relieve stress and improves overall wellbeing. Lace up your hiking boots or grab a yoga mat and decompress with nature during a fitness activity on the lands!

Each Friday from 6 – 7:30 p.m., Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers Flow Yoga in the Hills at Orchard Hills. This vinyasa-style yoga practice will have participants begin the program with a 1-mile stroll through the local canyons to find peace with nature. Participants will then return to their yoga mats for a guided 45 to 60-minute yoga class.

For visitors looking to raise their heartrate with a 3-mile hike, the Orchard Hills Evening Hike on August 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. invites visitors to enjoy this moderately paced trek that meanders around a large avocado orchard. Skip the gym and hit the trail for a hike during sunset hours to connect with the land and gain new perspective on the local habitat.

StewardshipStewardship programs give visitors the opportunity to give back to the lands and preserve the open spaces for future generations. Give back to the Landmarks as the sun sets and dusk sets in and wildlife begins to emerge from shaded hideaways in search of food or even a potential mate.

Nighttime Bugs at the Augustine Staging Area on August 26 from 7:30 – 10 p.m. is a stewardship program that explores biodiversity and insects at a local level. While most visitors normally see insects buzzing around, this program allows participants to examine and document the different types of insects populating the Landmarks up close.

Savor the long days of summer and sign-up for an evening program this month! Most activities are free with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event. Some programs are suitable for children 6 and over, and children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. For more details on programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.

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Welcome to the Irvine Ranch Conservancy "News from the Field" blog. These articles are written by Conservancy staff about activities and projects in and near the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.